A Powerful Practice For Peace

Hi loves. I have been thinking about the Sanskrit mantra Lokah Samastah Sukino Bhavantu a lot lately. When my son was born his dad and I didn’t know any nursery rhymes so we sang mantras instead. “Lokah” became a family favorite and now that my son is 3.5 he sings it with us.
 
Lokah Samastah Sukino Bhavantu translated into English reads as “May all beings everywhere be happy and free. May the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute, in some way, to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”
 
It’s easy to feel like we really are praying for the happiness and freedom of all and acting with that intention in our daily lives, most of the time.
 
When something terrible happens in the world and the news is flooded with heartbreaking stories it becomes a bit more difficult. When someone has hurt us it becomes more difficult. When someone has hurt someone we love it becomes more difficult.
 
Yet, in the difficult moments it is so helpful to lean into the practice, lean into the prayer, lean into faith, and lean into our own lives with renewed strength and integrity in our intentions.
 
There is a Buddhist practice of Loving Kindness – Metta Bhavana – (from the Pali word metta = love) in which we offer loving kindness and pray for the happiness and freedom of ourselves, our loved ones, those we feel “neutral” about, and our enemies/those we struggle with. Finally, we picture all of the beings together and send loving kindness to all.
 
It can be a very challenging meditation, but it is so beautiful and powerful.
 
I felt compelled to share it with you all today.
 
Thank you for being in my world in a positive way. Sending you loving kindness and my you be happy and free.
 
Much love,
 
Katie

Leave a Comment